“A Lie Universally Hidden” by Anngela Schroeder Blog tour ~ Excerpt & Giveaway!

Hello Fellow Readers!

Today I have the pleasure of sharing an excerpt with you, from ‘A Lie Universally Hidden' by Anngela Schroede, Plus a Giveaway!

I first came across Anngela's work, in the 'Then Comes Winter' Anthology, where she wrote a lovely Pride & Prejudice variation called "Winter's Awakening"; which I reviewed back in December 2015. Therefore I was delighted to hear about the new P&P variation she had written and now only look forward to reading it!
I would also like to thank Claudine at Just Jane 1813, for her part in bringing this blog tour to fruition.

“The engagement between them is of a peculiar kind. From their infancy, they have been intended for each other. It was the favorite wish of his mother…” —Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen

Fitzwilliam Darcy was raised to never stray from the path set before him: ensure the continued prosperity of his estate, Pemberley, protect and educate his sister to become an accomplished woman, and marry the woman his mother chose for him—his cousin Anne de Bourgh. With a letter bearing his late mother’s signature, Darcy presumes his fate is sealed and prepares to wed one he does not love. However, his destiny begins to unravel when he glimpses a pair of fine eyes on a quiet, country road.

Elizabeth Bennet is the second daughter of a respectable though insignificant gentleman. She is flattered to have captured the attention of a local squire, a childhood friend, and everyone believes her path is secure—until a handsome, rich gentleman arrives at a neighboring estate. Happenstance begets the unlikely pair together, bridging a forbidden love long past a mere friendship.

In “A Lie Universally Hidden”, two of literature’s most beloved romance characters are destined to marry for fortune and obligation rather than love. How will Darcy and Elizabeth fulfill their true destiny under such circumstances? Shall honor, decorum, prudence—nay, a signed letter from the grave—forbid it?

"A Lie Universally Hidden" is a Regency Romance suitable for most audiences, teen and up.

Exceprt ~ In this excerpt we find Colonel Fitzwilliam paying a call upon Anne de Bourgh in London.  We are flies on the wall of a conversation which promises to bring to light some inner thoughts and struggles from a number of our favorite characters. ~ Anngela Schroeder.

Colonel Fitzwilliam looked around the sitting room and breathed a sigh of relief that his aunt Catherine was meeting with her solicitor. His cousin Anne was pouring his tea and he could not catch her eye. “My dear Anne. We have spoken of your time in London, your visit to the theatre, and all that has occurred since I was last here two weeks ago.”

She smiled. “We have yet to speak on the lovely London weather. Do you believe the smoke and fog will hinder our entire stay in town?”

He chuckled. “If we are lucky, we may yet see more dark clouds on the horizon.”

She let out a most unladylike snort and covered her mouth. “No, my mother is not expected back until after luncheon.” 

Richard let out a whoop and slapped his knee. “You are filled with impertinence.  I forgot you had it in you, my Annie.”

Her eyes locked onto his at the familiar name before she lowered her lashes.  “You have not called me that since we were children.”

He stood and walked over to sit on the sofa beside her. “No, I have not, and I should have…every day for the last fifteen years.” She sat with her mouth agape, her eyes not leaving his. “Your mother interrupted our last conversation, Annie. You never answered my question.”

“Question?” She breathed slowly, while her teacup seemed to rattle as she returned it to its saucer on her lap. 

He took her empty hand in his. “Annie girl, do you want to marry Darcy?”

“I…I­” Her words were stopped by the shattering of the tea cup as it slipped from her lap and onto the floor. She only hesitated a moment before summoning a maid.

After the maid departed, she faced Richard who was grinning boyishly. She cleared her throat and sat back down, before dropping her eyes. Her voice betrayed her anxiety. “Richard, I…”

“Mister and Miss Darcy,” Thurston announced, opening the door and walking into the room.

“Blast!”

Anne immediately started and walked toward the fireplace before turning to face the door.

 “Richard!” Georgiana squealed, rushing to him and throwing her arms around his neck. “Oh, pardon me.” Seeming to remember herself, she stopped and her arms dropped quickly. “It is so lovely to see you. When did you arrive home?”

“Just this morning, poppet.” He embraced his young cousin before clasping Darcy’s hand. “I came as soon as I was able to get leave and will be here for a se’nnight.” As the ladies quietly greeted each other, he said to Darcy in a low voice, “When can you apprise me of the situation you alluded to in your letter?”

“Tonight, after dinner, if you are available? Actually,” he interjected, “I would rather not discuss it in Lady Catherine’s home. It is of a sensitive nature.” At his cousin’s questioning look, Darcy continued. “Why do you not return to Darcy House with us?  Your room has been ready since you left and Georgiana would welcome your lively disposition.”

“Lively? Mother said that you have had two unmarried ladies staying with you these last few weeks. Is that not lively enough?”

“Two unmarried ladies at Darcy house indeed. Miss Katherine Bennet is a friend of Georgiana’s and would have dined with us this evening if she had not taken ill earlier today.” Darcy cleared his throat and flushed. “And Miss Elizabeth Bennet is her older sister. She is staying in Cheapside with her uncle and aunt and has visited a number of times. But no, she does not reside with us.”

“Oh, how interesting.” He smirked. “And how often is a number of times? Once? Twice? Maybe daily?”

Darcy cleared his throat again, before looking up at his betrothed. “She has mostly visited when I have been at the club or conducting business. Anne,” Darcy said, interrupting his and Richard’s conversation, “you are flushed. I believe you are standing too near the fire.”

Richard looked at Darcy’s awkward interaction before allowing a seed of hope to take root in his breast. Curious. Who is this Miss Elizabeth Bennet?

Thank you for sharing the except Anngela, I look forward to reading the rest of the book! I have enjoyed following and taking part in the blog tour, Thank you again.

Anngela is giving away two autographed hard copies (US mailing addresses only) 

2 kindle versions (Open to international winners), 

An autographed copy of Then Comes Winter (US mailing address only) and an autographed 5x7 of the A Lie Universally Hidden book cover.

Please enter in the Rafflecopter below

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Blog Tour Schedule 

January 16/ My Jane Austen Book Club/Launch Post & Giveaway

January 17/ From Pemberley to Milton/ Book Review & Giveaway

January 18/ A Covent Garden Madame Gilflurt's Guide to Life/Guest Post

January 19/ So Little Time…/ Excerpt Post & Giveaway

January 20/ My Vices and Weaknesses/ Book Review & Giveaway

January 21/ Babblings of a Bookworm/ Book Review

January 22/ Just Jane 1813/ Excerpt Post

January 23/Austenesque Reviews/ Author Spotlight & Giveaway

January 24/ Obsessed with Mr. Darcy/ Book Review & Giveaway

January 25/ Every Savage Can Dance/Book Review & Giveaway

January 26 / Diary of an Eccentric/Book Review & Giveaway

January 27 / Austenesque Reviews/ Book Review & Giveaway

January 28/ My Kids Led Me Back to Pride and Prejudice/ Excerpt & Giveaway

January 29/ Savvy Verse & Wit/ Guest Post & Giveaway

As always I delight in hearing your thoughts!